Box 43, Somonauk, IL 60552
Among the tall, shady oak trees at the Sandwich, Illinois
Fairgrounds on the last weekend of June, the Sandwich Early Day
Engine Club held its 13th Annual Gas Engine, Tractor and Car Show.
With winter behind us and the crops in the ground, everyone was
ready for an enjoyable weekend. Among the almost 400 engines on
display were all the major brands and, of course, the Sandwich
Line. The results of many hours of work (and no small amount of
money) were proudly displayed for everyone to admire. Special
notice was taken of some of the more uncommon makes, including our
feature engine, a Caldwell-Holloway, made in Waterloo, Iowa and
very beautifully restored by Andy Krafft of Sandwich.
Our Tractor Exhibit continues to grow in size and quality. Many
of these excellent restorations had a chance to prove themselves
Saturday afternoon in our Exhibitors Tractor Pull for the enjoyment
of everyone. Red, green, grey, and orange were well represented as
were rubber, steel and track. Our Arts & Crafts Display was the
best ever, with many new and interesting exhibits.
Along with Chrysler, Ford and GM products on display in our
Antique Car Show were also Studebaker, Willys, and yes, even an
early Volkswagen! Our Flea Market was the largest ever, with some
excellent merchandise for sale. Our friends of the Land of Lincoln
Barbed Wire Collectors Association had on display most of the types
of barbed wire developed over the years. The International Corn
Husking Hook & Peg Collectors Association display focused on an
almost forgotten piece of American farming history. We were also
treated to a large display of farm toys through the efforts of
Verle Johnson which we hope will continue to grow.
After a good day on Saturday, everyone was ready for a little
rest and recreation at our first Square Dance. Mother Nature must
have decided we all needed a bath, cause she tried to wash everyone
down. Luckily, it didn’t last very long. Sunday dawned bright
& clear, and the kids could hardly wait for 1:00 to come so
they could enter the Pedal Pull. This continues to be a very
popular event that everyone enjoys.
June 29th & 30th, 1985 are the dates to save for the 14th
Annual Sandwich Show. Economy will be our featured Engine and
International our featured Tractor. Gas Engine, Tractor and Car
Exhibitors, Arts &. Crafts and Flea Marketers are always
welcome. We are also extending a special invitation to all Farm Toy
Collectors to join us. Everyone is invited to come and spend a day
or the weekend with us at our beautiful Fairgrounds.
